Releasable fastening system for footwear

ABSTRACT

A releasable fastening system for footwear features a plurality of fastening clips. Each fastening clip includes an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of the strap. The opposing hooks of each slip releasably engage a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing flaps of the footwear. This secures the clip to the footwear to extend across the tongue. Each clip is releasably connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull the flaps together and tighten the footwear.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a releasable fastening system for footwear and, more particularly, to a fastening system that replaces conventional shoelaces with improved fastening clips that are releasably attached with the conventional eyelets of the footwear. Not only do the clips securely yet comfortably fasten the shoe to the wearer's foot, they are aesthetically attractive and can serve as a novelty or collectable item.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional footwear, including but not limited to shoes, boots, sneakers, and a wide variety of other athletic footwear, commonly utilize shoelaces to tighten the footwear and secure it to the wearer's foot. Conventional laces have long exhibited a number of disadvantages. They tend to loosen quite easily and can require frequent retightening or retying. This is a particular problem for athletic footwear where vigorous physical activity can cause the shoelaces to become prematurely loosened or untied.

Even when tied, standard shoelaces often do not provide the wearer an optimally snug and comfortable fit. Lower laces are apt not to be tightened sufficiently. This can cause the shoes to bulge and buckle. Improperly tied footwear can present a particular problem for competitive athletes engaged in running, turning, jumping, or other vigorous physical activity. Loose or improperly tightened shoes can seriously interfere with an athlete's performance. Improperly tightened shoes can also be quite uncomfortable to wear.

Loose or untied shoelaces also present a sloppy appearance. Sloppy and/or dangling laces are not only aesthetically unattractive, they can also drag in the dirt, as well as along unsanitary surfaces such as restroom and locker room floors. Loose or untied shoelaces also present a common and serious tripping hazard.

Alternative footwear fastening systems have been introduced. For example, Velcro™ straps have been integrated into children's shoes. Various other types of fasteners have been developed, such as shown by Gentry, U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,439. However, these devices tend to be fairly intricate and awkward to both manufacture and use. For example, Gentry utilizes elastic fastening strips that are designed to remain permanently attached to the shoe. Those strips are not readily and releasably engagable with the footwear only as needed and instead are intended to remain an integral part of the shoe. In addition, conventional fastening strips feature a uniform length and do not allow for proper tightening or an optimally snug and comfortable fit. By the same token, Gentry features contiguous strips that largely obscure the tongue of the footwear. This is apparently for the purpose of printing an unbroken ornamental design across the strip. A much more effective, convenient and aesthetically attractive fastening system is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved, releasable fastening system for footwear that overcomes the problems exhibited by conventional shoelaces, as well as other prior footwear fastening systems.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a releasable fastening system for footwear that allows the wearer to quickly and conveniently achieve a snug, uniform, comfortable and effective footwear fit.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a fastening system that eliminates frustrating and inconvenient loosening and the need for retying, which typically accompany the use of shoelaces.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a releasable fastening system for footwear that is both ergonomic and aesthetically attractive.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a footwear fastening system employing a unique releasable fastening clip that can be printed with various types of indicia, colors and other printed matter.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a footwear fastening system employing aesthetically attractive fastening clips that can serve as novelty, collectible, and/or trading items.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a releasable fastening system for footwear, which is particularly effective for use in athletic footwear and which provides an improved fit and which resists loosening during sports and other vigorous activities so that the wearer's comfort and athletic performance are significantly improved.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a footwear fastening system that may be used effectively on virtually any type of footwear featuring conventional flap mounted or loop-type eyelets.

This invention features a releasable fastening system for footwear of the type including an upper portion having a pair of flaps respectively positioned on opposing sides of a tongue. Each flap has a series of spaced apart eyelets. Each eyelet in one of the series positionally corresponds to respective eyelet in the other series. The system includes a plurality of fastening clips. Each fastening clip features an elongated, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of the strap. The opposing hooks releasably engage a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on the opposing sides of the tongue to secure the clip to the footwear with the strap extending across the tongue. Each clip is connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull the flaps together and tighten the footwear.

In a preferred embodiment, a clasp or channel element may receive a respective end of the strap and may also carry a respective hook. The clasp or channel may include teeth for securing to the strap. The hook may be formed unitarily with the clasp or channel element.

Each hook may include a flat terminal section for being received by a respective eyelet. The hook may be curved to extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal access of the strap for engaging respective eyelet formed transversely through a flap. Alternatively, the hook may be curved to extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the strap for engaging the loop-type eyelet.

The clips may include straps having different respective lengths for allowing the clips to secure to the footwear between opposing pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets which converge from a top portion to a bottom portion of the tongue. The flaps and the respective series of eyelets may converge from an upper end to a lower end thereof such that the straps of the attached clips are successively shorter in length from top to bottom. The fastening clips may include strips of differing respective lengths for providing a uniform pull across the tongue between the respective opposing pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets. The clips may be sufficiently narrow relative to the spacing between the eyelets in each series such that when the clips are connected with the respective opposing pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets, a gap is formed between each adjacent pair of the clips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Other objects, features and advantages will occur from the following description of a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a preferred releasable fastening system for footwear according to this invention comprising a plurality of releasable fastening clips engaged with the eyelets of a shoe or other type of footwear;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a representative fastening clip in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of the fastening clip;

FIG. 4 is side elevational view of the fastening clip;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a representative one of the hooks and an attached channel element used in the clip;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the inner end of the channel element;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the outer end of the clip, and particularly illustrating a representative one of the hooks and attached channel elements;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative fastening clasp prior to insertion of the strap into the clasp; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a representative end of an alternative fastening clip in accordance with this invention wherein the hook is oriented sideways or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the strap for engaging a standard loop-type eyelet.

There is shown in FIG. 1 a releasable fastening system 10 for a standard item of footwear F. It should be understood that footwear F should comprise virtually any type of shoe, boot, sneaker, etc. More particularly, the footwear may comprise work shoes, casual shoes, work boots, and athletic footwear. System 10 is particularly effective for use in running and virtually all other types of athletic shoes. The system allows athletes to maintain a snug and comfortable fit that resists loosening, especially during vigorous physical activity. The particular type of footwear for which system 10 may be used and the particular applications for which the footwear may be utilized do not comprise limitations of this invention.

Footwear F itself features a known or standard construction. In particular, the footwear features an upper portion 12 and a conventional lower portion or sole (not shown). Upper portion 12 includes a pair of flaps 14 and 16 respectively positioned on opposing sides of a tongue 18. Each flap 14, 16 has a series of spaced apart eyelets that extend in a standard manner along adjacent respective longitudinal edges of tongue 18. In this version, the eyelets are bounded by standard grommets, although in alternative embodiments the grommets may be omitted. The eyelets may have either rounded or flat edges. In particular, footwear F includes a series of four left hand eyelets 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d formed in flap 14 and a second series of positionally corresponding eyelets 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d formed through flap 16. Both flaps 14 and 16 and their respective series of eyelets generally converge from top to bottom along tongue 18. In alternative embodiments, various other numbers of eyelets may be employed in each series. In any event, each eyelet should positionally correspond to a respective eyelet in the other series. As used herein, “positionally correspond” means that a respective eyelet in each series is formed at or approximately at the same height or relative position along a respective flap as a corresponding eyelet in the other series. Hence, eyelets 20 a, 22 a are positionally corresponding, as are eyelets 20 b and 22 b, 20 c and 22 c, and 20 d and 22 d, respectively. The positionally corresponding eyelets maintain the same relative position (e.g. the first, second third or fourth position) along respective flaps 14 and 16.

Fastening system 10 includes four fastening clips 24 a, 24,b, 24 c and 24 d. As best shown in FIG. 1, each clip has a different overall length for engaging a respective positionally corresponding pair of eyelets. In particular, the clips shorten from top to bottom across the opposing flaps 14 and 16. The significance of this feature is described more fully below.

A representative fastening clip 24 is shown in FIG. 2. It should be understood that each of the fastening clips 24 a, b, c and d (FIG. 1) is constructed in a manner analogous to that described below for clip 24. Clips 24 a-d differ from one another only in their respective lengths. Each fastening clip 24, which is also depicted by itself in FIGS. 3 and 4, includes an elongate flexible strap 26 that is longitudinally elastic as indicated by double-headed arrows 28. Strap 26 may be comprised of various alternative resilient materials including various natural and synthetic fibers. Rubber and other elastomers may also be employed. Rubber and durable, high strength elastics are particularly preferred when clips 24 are employed in athletic or other high performance footwear. Such elastomeric materials are much more durable and rugged and can more effectively withstand the larger forces typically applied to the footwear and attached fastening system during vigorous physical exercise.

A hook 30 is permanently secured to each end of strap 26. In particular, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, hook 30 comprises a unitary part of a metallic attachment 32 that also includes a channel element 34 attached unitarily/integrally to hook 30. The interior surfaces of channel element 34 include sharp, inclined barbs or teeth 36 that engage and grip a respective end of the elastic strap 26 received in the channel element. This acts to prevent removal of the strap from the channel element and secures attachment 32 and hook 30 permanently to each end of the strap. It should be understood that an attachment 32 as depicted in FIGS. 5-7 is secured in the foregoing manner to each end of each strap 26. This forms the completed clip 24. As previously indicated, each of clips 24 a, b, c and d is constructed in a like or analogous manner. The clips are manufactured and sold to the end user in this fashion. Clip 24 thereby features a convenient, permanently assembled construction that requires no further assembly by the user.

Hook 30 includes substantially planar or flat proximal and terminal portions 38 and 40, respectively. This configuration allows the hook to neatly and ergonomically engage a respective eyelet, as will be described below. The proximal and terminal ends of the hook are not rounded so that the hooks feature an attractive, low profile appearance. Moreover, they do not cause the wearer discomfort.

Clips 24 a, b, c and d are attached to respective pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets 20 a and 22 a, 20 b and 22 b, 20 c and 22 c, and 20 d and 22 d in the manner shown in FIG. 1. The hooks 30 of clip 24 d having the shortest strap are initially inserted through and engaged with lowermost positionally corresponding eyelets 20 d and 22 d. Somewhat longer clip 24 c is then engaged in a similar manner with eyelets 20 c and 22 c. Next, clip 24 b is likewise engaged with corresponding eyelets 20 b and 22 b. Finally, longer clip 24 a is engaged with corresponding eyelets 20 a and 22 a. Footwear F is thereby snugly and uniformly tensioned to provide the wearer with a fit that offers optimum comfort and performance. Critically, the progressively longer elastic straps arranged from bottom to top maintain this uniform tension. As the same time, it is virtually impossible for the shoe to unintentionally loosen. This will occur only if one of the straps breaks, which is highly unlikely, or if one or more of the straps is intentionally disengaged from its respective eyelets by the wearer. A significantly improved and reliable fit, tension and comfort are thereby achieved.

The fastening clips are quick and simple to install and remove as desired by respectively hooking the clips onto and unhooking the hooks from the eyelets. No disassembly of the clips themselves is needed.

An alternative bi-fold metallic clasp 32 x is depicted in FIG. 8. Clasp 32 x includes a central plate 33 x to which a lace-engaging hook 38 is unitarily attached. A pair of planar wings 35 x and 37 x are connected to respective opposing edges of plate 33 x. The upper surfaces of plate 33 x and wings 35, 37 x carry inclined gripping teeth 36 x.

Metallic clasp 32 x is assembled by engaging an elastic strap, analogous to previously described strap 26, with the upper surface of central plate 33 x. Wings 35 x and 37 x are then folded, as indicated by arrows 120, over the engaged strap such that the strap is interposed between plate 33 x and folded wings 35 x and 37 x. Teeth 36 x prevent the interposed strap from being pulled and dislodged from the assembled clasp 32 x when hook 30 x is engaged with a respective eyelet in the manner previously described.

A slightly modified version of a removable fastening clip 110 is accordance with this invention is depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. Therein, a longitudinally flexible strap 124 is again utilized. A metallic attachment 132 is permanently secured at each end of the strap. Attachment 132 includes a U-shaped metallic channel element 134 as previously described, which is secured to the strap by teeth or other means. A clasp, as described above, can alternatively be used. A transverse hook 130 is unitarily connected to and extends outwardly from channel element 134. Hook 130 curves to extend perpendicularly or otherwise transversely to the longitudinal axis of strap 124. The hook is configured in this manner to engage loop-type eyelets that are secured in a standard manner along respective flaps of the footwear. Each such eyelet, which is conventional, is typically comprised of a cord or other type of loop carried by, but not formed through a flap of the shoe. Hook 130 quickly, easily and releasably interengages such loop-type eyelets in a manner analogous to the way in which the previously described hook 30 engages the traditional grommet-style eyelet shown in FIG. 1. It should also be understood that eyelets of the type shown in FIG. 1 may comprise openings formed directly through the flap without any type of grommet. The version of clip 110 shown in FIG. 9 accomplishes advantages analogous to those described in connection with the previous embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, each strap 26 is sufficiently narrow such that when the clips 24 a-24 d are engaged with the respective pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets, a gap 50 is formed between each adjacent pair of clips. Preferably, the straps have a width of approximately ½″ but in most cases and in any event not greater than ¾″. Typically, they should be narrow enough such that they are able to fit through the standard lace-constraining slot or loop found in the tongue of many types of athletic footwear. This provides system 10 with an aesthetically attractive appearance wherein the adjacent clips are generally parallel to and laterally spaced apart from each other, and successively shorter from top to bottom. The appearance is more ergonomic and attractive than conventional fastening systems that block most, if not all of the underlying tongue. Providing gaps 50 between adjoining pairs of clip straps also improves breathability and comfort of the footwear.

It should also be noted that advertising material, various colors and other types of textual or graphic indicia may be printed or otherwise formed on the upper surfaces of straps 26. As a result, the individual clips 24 may be sold, collected and even traded as whimsical and/or novelty items by both children and adults. In some cases, a matching color scheme (i.e. for a particular athletic team) or other theme may be depicted on the respective clips. In alternative cases, clips with various different colors or themes may be mixed on a single shoe. In any event, the fastening system provides the foot wearer with extremely clean lines and an improved ergonomic and aesthetically attractive appearance.

The relatively flat configuration of hook 30 provides for improved wearer comfort, as previously described. It also improves the stability of the fastening device and reduces the chance that it will become disengaged during strenuous physical activity and other use.

The present invention represents a significant improvement over conventional shoelaces. The fastening clips effectively resist unintentional disengagement from the shoe and/or resultant loosening of the footwear. Indeed, the clips virtually eliminate the premature untying and loosening often exhibited by existing shoelaces. The clips do not drag through the dirt and mud commonly found on playgrounds and athletic venues. By the same token, the fastening clips are not apt to collect debris from the floors of locker rooms and rest rooms, as are conventional athletic shoelaces when they loosen. Unlike standard shoelaces, the fastening system of this invention maintains the shoes in a uniform, snug, tensioned condition so that comfort and athletic performance are improved. Uniform tensioning of the shoe resulting from the use of this invention also helps to reduce unsightly bunching and disfiguration of the footwear and increases longevity of the footwear. Such uniform tensioning also provides the shoe with a neat, smooth and aesthetically improved appearance.

Although the system of this invention has been described in conjunction with a single shoe, it should be understood that the fastening system will typically be worn on both of the wearer's shoes.

From the foregoing it may be seen that the apparatus of this invention provides for a releasable fastening system for footwear. The system eliminates shoelaces and securely and snugly fastens footwear so that footwear appearance, user comfort and footwear performance are improved. While this detailed description has set forth particularly preferred embodiments of the apparatus of this invention, numerous modifications and variations of the structure of this invention, all within the scope of the invention, will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is understood that this description is illustrative only of the principles of the invention and is not limitative thereof.

Although specific features of the invention are shown in some of the drawings and not others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any and all of the other features in accordance with this invention.

Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims: 

1. A releasable fastening system for footwear, which footwear includes an upper portion having a pair of flaps respectively positioned on opposing sides of tongue, each flap having a series of spaced apart eyelets, each eyelet in one of the series positionally corresponding to a respective eyelet in the other series; a plurality of fastening clips, each said fastening clip including an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of said strap, said opposing hooks for releasably engaging a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing sides of the tongue to secure said clip to the footwear with said strap extending across the tongue, whereby each clip is releasably connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull the flaps together and tighten the footwear.
 2. The system of claim 1 in which each said hook includes a flat terminal section for being received by the eyelet.
 3. The system of claim 1 in which said clip further includes a channel element for receiving a respective end of said strap and for carrying a respective said hook.
 4. The system of claim 3 in which said channel includes teeth for securing said channel element to said strap.
 5. The system of claim 3 in which said hook is formed unitarily with said channel element.
 6. The system of claim 1 in which said hook is curved to extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said strap for engaging a respective eyelet formed transversely through a flap.
 7. The system of claim 1 in which said hook is curved to extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of said strap.
 8. The system of claim 1 in which said clips include respective straps having different lengths for allowing said clips to secure to the footwear between opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets which converse from a top portion to a bottom portion of the tongue.
 9. The system of claim 1 in which the flaps and the respective series of eyelets converge from an upper end to a lower end thereof and wherein said fastening clips include straps of differing respective lengths for providing a uniform tension across the tongue between the respective opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets.
 10. The system of claim 1 in which said clips are sufficiently narrow relative to the spacing between the eyelets in each series such that when said clips are connected with the respective pairs of eyelets, a gap is formed between each adjacent pair of said clips.
 11. A fastening clip for footwear, which footwear has a pair of flaps positioned on respective opposing sides of a tongue, the flaps having a pair of positionally corresponding eyelets attached respectively to the flaps, said clip comprising: an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap; and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of said strap, said opposing hooks for releasably engaging the positionally corresponding eyelets to releasably connect said clip to said opposing eyelets and thereby secure said clip to the footwear with said strap extending across the tongue, whereby the flaps are pulled together to tighten the footwear.
 12. The system of claim 11 in which each said hook includes a flat terminal section for being received by the eyelet.
 13. The system of claim 11 in which said clip further includes a channel element for receiving a respective end of said strap and for carrying a respective said hook
 14. The system of claim 13 in which said channel includes teeth for securing said channel element to said strap.
 15. The system of claim 13 in which said hook is formed unitarily with said channel element.
 16. The system of claim 11 in which said hook is curved to extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said strap for engaging a respective eyelet formed transversely through a flap.
 17. The system of claim 11 in which said hook is curved to extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of said strap.
 18. Footwear with a releasable fastening system comprising: an upper footwear portion having a pair of flaps respectively positioned on opposing sides of a tongue, each said flap having a series of spaced apart eyelets, each said eyelet in one of said series positionally corresponding to a respective one of said eyelets in the other said series; and a plurality of fastening clips, each said fastening clip including an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of said strap, said opposing hooks for releasably engaging a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on said respective flaps to secure said clip to the footwear with said strap extending across said tongue, whereby each said clip is releasably connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull said flaps together and tighten the footwear.
 19. The system of claim 18 in which said flaps and said respective series of eyelets converge from an upper end to a lower end thereof and wherein said fastening clips include straps of differing respective lengths for providing a uniform tension across said tongue between said respective opposing pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets.
 20. The footwear of claim 18 in which said clips are sufficiently narrow relative to the spacing between said eyelets in each said series such that when said clips are connected with said respective opposing pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets, a gap is formed between each adjacent pair of said clips. 